Hill advises Piastri to prioritize himself after 2025 title near-miss

Former World Champion Damon Hill has advised Oscar Piastri to adopt a more self-focused approach in 2026, following the McLaren driver's narrow defeat in the 2025 championship. Piastri entered the Abu Dhabi finale with a title chance but finished third, seven points behind champion teammate Lando Norris, after a season where McLaren's team orders became a point of contention.

Why it matters:

Hill's comments highlight the delicate balance between team loyalty and individual ambition in a title fight. For a driver of Piastri's caliber, who secured seven wins and proved his elite speed, the advice signals a potential shift in mindset from a supportive teammate to a primary championship contender, which could redefine intra-team dynamics at McLaren.

The details:

• The pivotal moment cited by Hill was the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, where Piastri was asked to let Norris back through after the Briton suffered a slow pit stop, a move that directly transferred points between the title rivals.
• A 34-point gap opened between Piastri and Norris after the Dutch GP, but a dip in form from the Australian combined with a rally from his rivals saw the championship picture flip dramatically in the final races.
• Hill suggested the experience, particularly the team order in Monza, will be a hard lesson: "He will probably look at that and go, ‘Well, maybe I won’t do that again.’"

Between the lines:

McLaren's stated policy of neutrality between its drivers was tested under championship pressure, leading to criticism of their "papaya rules." Hill's advice implies that in the heat of a title battle, a driver must sometimes prioritize personal results over strict team harmony, especially when points are directly exchanged between contenders.

What's next:

Hill's counsel sets the stage for a fascinating 2026 dynamic at McLaren. If Piastri takes the advice to heart, it could lead to a more assertive approach in similar on-track situations.

• The internal team management at McLaren will be crucial in navigating two proven race winners who are both capable of fighting for a championship.
• Piastri's response to this adversity and his evolution in handling championship pressure will be a key storyline to watch as he aims to convert his undeniable speed into a first world title.